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Big West Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose

Mar 14, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA;Cal State Northridge Matadors forward Lamine Diane (35) lets out a yell after scoring past UC Santa Barbara Gauchos forward Amadou Sow (12) and guard Ar'Mond Davis (1) during the first half of the quarterfinals of the Big West conference tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA;Cal State Northridge Matadors forward Lamine Diane (35) lets out a yell after scoring past UC Santa Barbara Gauchos forward Amadou Sow (12) and guard Ar'Mond Davis (1) during the first half of the quarterfinals of the Big West conference tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big West Basketball Southern California Trojans guard Tre White (22) battles for the ball with Long Beach State Beach forward Lassina Traore Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Big West Basketball Southern California Trojans guard Tre White (22) battles for the ball with Long Beach State Beach forward Lassina Traore Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Lassina Traore

Traore is a 6’9 forward originally from Cote D’Ivoire who played some high school ball in Florida after he came to the US a few years ago. He actually started his collegiate career two seasons ago at Saint Louis, spending just his freshman season as a bench piece for the Billikens. He’d transfer to Long Beach State and took on a starring role with the Beach for this most recent college basketball season.

In his sophomore season, his first at Long Beach State, Traore was a full-time starter in the frontcourt, averaging 12.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He helped lead the Beach to a decent 17-win season and had a number of strong performances, including a 22-point, 20-rebound affair against UC Davis in their final regular season game.

Blossoming once given the opportunity to star, Traore was named First Team All-Big West and was one of the best rebounders in the nation, finishing 9th in the country in rebounds per game and total boards. He also led the Big West in field goal percentage and was a stern addition on both sides of the ball for the Beach. Fortunately, he’ll be back again next season and will look to take another step forward now as an upperclassman.